Joan (Breithaupt) Wendell, 82, of Pemberville-Otterbein Portage Valley passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at St. Charles Hospital in Oregon, OH. She was born November 13, 1937 at White Cross Hospital in Columbus, OH to Charles Edward and Gertrude (Bradfield) Breithaupt.
Joan married her high school sweetheart, John R. Wendell, on March 7, 1955. He passed away in 1989. She was a 1955 graduate of Columbus North High School. Joan received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and a master’s degree from the University of Dayton.
She was an elementary teacher (first grade) for twenty-eight years in Dayton schools: Fairview Elementary, Allen Elementary, Louise Troy Elementary and retiring from West Milton Elementary. After teaching she worked at Dayton Airport bookstore and at Richmond Indiana Airport.
Joan was an avid reader and also crocheted and donated thousands of bonnets and blankets to local hospitals for newborns. She volunteered with Dayton area Camp Fire Girls, PWP (Parents Without Partners) and Sandusky County Park District. A huge OSU Buckeye fan, Joan also loved to travel, and always enjoyed learning, taking classes in things such as calligraphy, zentangle and birdwatching. She was thrilled to get an iPad so she could eagerly look up information about her favorite actors as she watched old movies and check in on the Decorah eagles nest site.
Joan is survived by her daughters, D.J. Shade, Dayton, OH, Jeanne (Ken) Dieterich, Suzie (Tom) Shook, both of Fremont, OH; grandchildren, Josh Hoblit, Dr. Kristan (Austin) Riley and Holly Hoblit; great grandchildren, Landen, Skylar and Max.
She was preceded by her parents; husband, John R. Wendell; siblings, Colleen Walters, Mary Ellen Williams and John Breithaupt.
The family will have a Celebration of Life at a future date.
Donations can be made to the donor’s choice in Joan’s honor.
Online Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.whhfh.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, Fremont, OH.
Offer Condolences for the family of Joan (Breithaupt) Wendell
Print Obituary & Condolences 
Pauline Hudson
Jo and I met while taking classes from Miami University and became close friends. We had season tickets to the Philharmonic while our husbands babysat our girls. We continued this practice and remained good friends. Jo will always be remembered by me as a wonderful, caring, person. My condolences to her daughters and the rest of the family.
Brenda Havens
Jeanne – you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories!
Rita Hensley
DJ, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your sisters are in my thoughts and prayers.
Deni Ryan
DJ, so sorry for your loss, you and your sisters are in my thoughts and prayers.
Allicia Harlan
DJ, My sympathy to you and your family. I do hope we see each other again soon.
Allicia
Jeanette Druckenmiller
Sincere sympathy to the family of Joan, we are praying for the family and friends who are grieving her loss.
Bill and Jeanette Druckenmiller
sherrie Robinson
I’m so sorry for your loss. Jeanne and Susie I didn’t know your mom but I can’t even imagine the loss. Prayers for you all. Sherrie robinson
Mary Mitchell
DJ – Your mother sounds like such a wonderful, interesting person. I know it’s always too soon to lose your mother. Thinking of you and your family with love and sympathy. — Mary
Kathy Miller
DJ
My thoughts, prayers, and love are sent to you and your family at this difficult time.
Jack and Bonnie Pruitt
Jeanne, You are in our hearts and in our prayers.
Arianna Hernandez
DJ,
A mother’s love is irreplaceable. May her memory live on through you and all of her loved ones.
Peace be with you.